Description

The Fw 190 D-13 is a gift Rank IV German fighter with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB) and 5.3 (RB/SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29. The Fw 190 D-13 is very similar to the Fw 190 D-12 in the German tech tree, with the only difference being the 20 mm MG 151 "Motorkanone" firing through the centre of the propeller, rather than the 30 mm Mk 108 cannon on the D-12.

As the final in-game variant of the Fw 190 series (excluding the later Ta 152 H-1) the Fw 190 D-13's main attributes include a very high top speed, heavy armament with a large ammunition pool, a fantastic engine built for high-altitude performance and it features hydraulic ailerons for an amazing high-speed roll rate. It is one of the only prop driven aircraft able to reach speeds exceeding 450 MPH/725 KPH while still retaining some ability to manoeuvre. This being said, the Fw 190 D-13 bears a heavy reliance on speed and engine power to be successful. Although constructed by the Germans during World War Two to be a bomber interceptor, the D-13 is more than capable of downing any aircraft it faces, even some first-generation jets such as the Meteor F. Mk.3 and the F-80A-5.

The Fw 190 D-13 is, however, plagued by some downfalls; namely, its ability to recover from a dive and its ability (or lack thereof) to turn fight. Because of these deficits, the Fw 190 D-13 is best utilized as an "energy fighter" capable of swift and deadly dive attacks in which no harm is put on the pilot. This is precisely how to effectively fly the D-13, as when caught in a sticky situation it can be difficult to evade potential assailants, especially Spitfires.

One of the most known abilities of the Fw 190 series is their ability to out roll enemies such as the Spitfire that "lock up" at higher speeds. If attacked from above and if the enemy is at a higher speed than the D-13, it is possible to perform a series of rolls called a "scissors". The goal of this manoeuvre is to both avoid the enemy's guns by rolling out of the way as well as allowing that enemy to overshoot, resulting in the D-13 pilot tailing the would-be killer. Although difficult, manoeuvres such as these can turn the tables in a one-on-one dogfight and ensure survival.

The D-13 variant can be flown in a versatile fashion, as was already mentioned. With the destructive power of the Minengeschoß, no bomber or fighter in the game can survive more than 50 cannon hits. Against fighters, the MG 151 cannons wielded by the D-13 and its predecessors get the job done, albeit it can be worse to aim them than the Hispanos.

Due to the extreme reliability of the MG 151 cannon attempt every shot possible. These cannons can often cut off an enemy's wing with a single shell. No matter which aircraft wielding the MG 151 cannon, a few successful hits with the Minengeschoß round will cause critical damage. Attempt every deflection shot possible, and if the rounds are not hitting the target pull harder. It is better to have rounds fly in front of an enemy plane than miles behind them. In order to pull ahead, make good use of combat/landing flaps. However, remember not to activate them at high speeds as they will rip off causing a momentary loss of control.

The role of the Bomb Dora can be done by any Fw 190 D. A wide array of payload options are available, but take a long time to research. None of them is powerful enough to destroy strategic bomb zones. In addition, the 50 kg bombs can only be dropped in pairs in RB & SB. In combination with the lack of an aiming reticule, it is recommended to only carry a main payload consisting of larger bombs. Bridges, heavy tanks, and heavy pillboxes should be the primary target for the 500 kg bomb. The other targets can be destroyed with ease by allied attackers.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics

Stock

Max Speed(km/h at 9,700 m)

Max altitude(meters)

Turn time(seconds)

Rate of climb(meters/second)

Take-off run(meters)

AB

RB

AB

RB

AB

RB

690

673

12,000

23.1

23.6

10.5

12.8

317

Upgraded

Max Speed(km/h at 9,700 m)

Max altitude (meters)

Turn time (seconds)

Rate of climb(meters/second)

Take-off run (meters)

AB

RB

AB

RB

AB

RB

759

725

12,000

20.1

21.6

26.7

17.1

317

Details

Features

Combat flap

Take-off flap

Landing flap

Air brakes

Arrestor gear

✓

X

✓

X

X

Limits

Wing-break speed(km/h)

Gear limit(km/h)

Combat flap (km/h)

Max Static G

+

-

920

920

???

~21

~21

Optimal velocities

Ailerons(km/h)

Rudder(km/h)

Elevators(km/h)

Radiator(km/h)

< 410

< 520

< 520

> 280

Compressor (RB/SB)

Setting 1

Optimal altitude

100% Engine power

WEP Engine power

3,900 m

1,632 hp

2,007 hp

Setting 2

Optimal altitude

100% Engine power

WEP Engine power

7,300 m

1,658 hp

2,039 hp

Setting 3

Optimal altitude

100% Engine power

WEP Engine power

9,700 m

1,377 hp

1,694 hp

Survivability and armour

5 mm Steel - Fuel tank plate

8 mm Steel - Under fuel tank plate

6 mm Steel - Pilot seat

8 mm Steel - Pilot seat

12 mm Steel - Headrest

3 mm Steel - Engine cowling

57 mm Bulletproof glass

Armaments

Offensive armament

The three cannons are arranged with one in each wing and the third in the propeller shaft, firing through the propeller hub. Each are armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty.

Suspended armament

The Fw 190 D-13 can be outfitted with the following external ordinance:

4 x 50 kg SC50JA (200 kg total)

8 x 50 kg SC50JA (400 kg total)

1 x 250 kg SC250JA (250 kg total)

4 x 50 kg SC50JA + 1 x 250 kg SC250JA (450 kg total)

1 x 500 kg SC250JA (500 kg total)

4 x 50 kg SC50JA + 1 x 500 kg SC500K (700 kg total)

Usage in the battles

The Fw 190 D-13's instrument panel.

Tactics

Generally, upon entering a match the D-13 is best utilized as a "side climber". Instead of climbing towards the enemy, take a different route. Once you reach a reasonable altitude, turn back towards the fray. By doing this, you end up arriving to the fight above both your team mates and your enemies, which is very helpful. Although this method takes more time, you can not only dive on unsuspecting enemies but you can also help other pilots on your team. If a team mate looks like he is having trouble shaking an enemy or pulling lead, you can swoop in and help out.

In Realistic Battles, it is very important to have situational awareness while using the D-13. Once at a good altitude (7-8 thousand meters) you can consider engaging the enemy. Ideally, this aircraft should never get into low altitude and low speed engagements. That being said, make use of the D-13's good climbing abilities. Instead of trying to drag enemies lower to the ground, keep them high and with low energy. This becomes more and more possible the higher the altitudes go, especially when facing off against planes built for low-altitude combat. Many of the enemy aircraft the Fw 190 D-13 faces are not designed for fighting at high altitudes . If found at a low altitude and in a vulnerable state, use cloud cover to your advantage. Even if an enemy is meters behind you it is possible to lose them in thick clouds.

Another facet of the D-13's success lies in head on attacks. Utilize the "fake out" - this entails lining the plane up with the enemy's and firing the cannons at a distance starting at around 1.0 mile or 1.60 kilometres away. Unless the enemy plane is using stealth belts, you can judge when to pull off by watching for their tracers. By doing this, it becomes possible to completely avoid enemy fire while dishing out a deadly barrage of shells at a long range.

In order to score a successful kill using this method, it is recommended to have the "20 mm belts" module unlocked for your aircraft. The Minengeschoß belt for MG 151 cannons is considered by many to be the best aircraft belt in the game. Unlike other cannon shells, the Minengeschoß is a thin walled shell comprised of a high amount of HE filler. Instead of filling a metal round with high explosive, the Germans built a round out of HE and applied a thin layer of metal around it.

The main points:

Use Boom & Zoom tactics

Attempt every shot possible

Never turn fight with any plane, unless you are 100% sure, that enemy is in much lower energy state, and you can turn inside him, or when you are baiting for your team mates.

Always have an altitude advantage

Attempt every SAFE head on attack

Utilize "zoom climbing"

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements

Mixer

Pitch

Radiator

Supercharger

Turbocharger

Oil

Water

Type

Controllable

Not controllable

Not controllable

Not controllable

Separate

Not ontrollable

Not controllable

Modules

Tier

Flight performance

Survivability

Weaponry

I

Fuselage Repair, Radiator

ETC 71 I

II

Compressor

Air Frame

Offensive 20 mm, ETC 71 II

III

Wing Repair, Engine

ETC 504 I, ETC 504 + ER 4 I

IV

Engine Injection

Compressor

New 20 mm Cannons, ETC 504 II, ETC 504 ER 4 II

Pros and cons

Pros:

Excellent energy retention

Excellent dive acceleration

Great speed on both low and high altitudes

Very high top speed in a dive

Great high-speed manoeuvrability

Impressive high altitude performance

Great aileron control and roll rate especially at higher speeds

Heavy-hitting armament

High ammunition supply (750)

Heavily armoured, especially around the fuel tanks

Good climb rate

Water injection (MW50) - WEP lasts at least 30 minutes

Cons:

Awful turn rate below high speeds

Enormous turn circle

Prone to overheating

Any engine damage whatsoever reduces the ability to dogfight and gain speed by a high degree

Poor elevator authority at high speeds (can be difficult to pull out of a dive)

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.

Media

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Read also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,